![]() ![]() " The Scarlet Letter Chapter 9." LitCharts LLC, July 22, 2013. In keeping secrets to hide their sins and conform to social pressure, they cause their bodies, their natures, to wither and die. Both Chillingworth and Dimmesdale suffer physically for their inner turmoil. The transformation makes them suspect that Chillingworth's intentions in getting so close to Dimmesdale might not be entirely charitable: they fear he might have been sent by the devil. As Dimmesdale 's health wanes, the locals notice that Chillingworth 's has transformed from a kind, elderly, and somewhat misshapen gentleman into an ugly evil old man. Chillingworth treats Dimmesdale and soon the two move in together. Dimmesdale 's health worsens and he is seen often with his hand over his heart. He points out that Hester even dresses Pearl in red, likening her to the scarlet letter.ĭimmesdale "defense" of Hester paints her as a sinner deserving punishment. ![]() Dimmesdale argues that Pearl was sent by God to serve as Hester's one true punishment and to guard her from sinning again. litcharts/lit/the-scarlet-letter/chapter-4. " The Scarlet Letter Chapter 4." LitCharts LLC, July 22, 2013. Dimmesdale and Chillingworth conceal their own identities to protect themselves. Hester hides Dimmesdale and Chillingworth's identities to protect them. Hester remains suspicious of Chillingworth and thinks she might be sealing her own doom by agreeing to keep his secret, but does it anyway. He then asks Hester to protect his identity by swearing never to identify him as her husband. He asks her to tell him the identity of the father, but once again she refuses. Chillingworth forgives Hester for betraying him. Like Chillingworth, he abandons her to protect himself. Dimmesdale conforms to public expectation and demands that Hester divulge her lover's identity, but he lacks the courage to reveal that he's her lover. The narrator says that the Puritans considered religion and law to be almost identical. Public, Dimmesdale is too frightened and selfish to reveal his sin and bear the burden Shy, retiring, and well loved and respected by his He is well educated, and he has a philosophical turn of mind.Ī well respected Boston reverend who has an affair with Hester Prynne and is the He has large, melancholyĮyes and a tremulous mouth, suggesting great sensitivity. Dimmesdale, the personification of "humanįrailty and sorrow," is young, pale, and physically delicate. ![]()
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